South Africans pile pressure on Israel to end genocide in Gaza

Worker unions and ordinary South Africans are poised to mobilize an ‘unprecedented tidal wave’ of national solidarity for Gaza, writes Ismail Suder.

As the Zionist onslaught against Gaza civilians continue, South Africans are joining millions of people from across the globe to speak out against the Israeli genocide of 2,3 million helpless citizens who are brutally being targeted and starved to death.

“This is nothing short of genocide, a war crime of barbaric proportions where hundreds of innocents, including children, are cowardly bombed from the sky. I call these Zionist murderers ‘the Butchers of IsraHell’, said Overport resident Nazeem Khan who is preparing to march in protest.

Thousands of people across major cities in the country are joining a groundswell of protest actions against Israeli genocide which so far has killed over 3000 innocent men, women, and children. Over 12 500 are wounded, many of whom are undergoing surgery without anaesthetic – because most medicine has run out. No water, food or medicine is allowed into Gaza because the brutal Israel authorities have imposed a cruel blockade.

Meanwhile, Mametlwe Sebei, the President of the Shop stewards Council and the National Office Bearers of GIWUSA, said it has heeded a call by The Palestinian Trade Union Movement to join a global strike in protest against the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

“As the Clover Shop stewards Council and the National Office Bearers of GIWUSA, we are issuing a call to action, urging progressive trade unions, civic organisations, and student formations across the country to unite and stand against a Zionist bloody revelry in Gaza and solidarity with the Global General Strike. The Palestinian Trade Union Movement has issued a call for a global strike on the 20th of October. In response to this call, the massacres in Gaza and the need to unify the groundswell of popular indignation and localised protests, GIWUSA is calling for an urgent National Day of Action.

“We intend to mobilise for an unprecedented tidal wave of national solidarity actions in all major cities across the country, commensurate to the broadscale of popular sentiment against Apartheid and colonialism in this country, as well the Israeli military crackdown, and imminent threat of genocide in Gaza and obliteration of Palestine.

Since 7 October, 2 800 Palestinians and 1400 Israelis have been killed. The attack on the Israeli civilians is regrettable. It is the desperation borne of decades long and unrelenting deprivations, oppression, and human suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza prison, for which we hold the Israeli regime responsible.”

Phenomena

Zimbabwean Ken Mufuka, writing in the Standard newspaper says Social media has destroyed that monopoly over Israel’s lies.

“Previously, those opposed to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian homelands were unable to express themselves through captured television and print media. For instance, the New York Times and Washington Post, as well as the London Times are owned by Jewish interests.

“Social media has destroyed that monopoly. Other voices are now being heard, loudly and clearly,” he added.

Meanwhile, more protest actions have been planned across the country.

Genocide

Durban-based Palestine activist Dr Lubna Nadvi urged all South Africans to protest against the barbaric genocide in Gaza.

When asked why it was important for South Africans to raise their voices, she told Al-Qalam: “There is a genocide currently unfolding in Gaza. The Zionist Israelis are murdering and butchering thousands of Palestinians in front of our eyes. Citizens from all over the world are turning out on the streets in their millions to speak out against Apartheid Israel’s brutality and violations of human rights. We in South Africa have lived through apartheid and we have an obligation to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters and show our solidarity in the same way that they supported us in our own struggle and hour of need.”

“Come out in your numbers and show your support for the Palestinians by attending a rally, protest march or any other event near you,” she added.

The following are some of the protest actions you can join:

*Today (Friday) – Everyone is urged to join a Palestine motorcade in Overport this evening. The starting point is Vogue Café, 14 Overport Drive and ending at Franky’s Café, 53 Intersite Avenue. The route will take you through Florida, Windermere, M4, Umhlanga and back towards Springfield. Bring Flags, balloons, and banners. Contact Suhail Amod – 082 904 8515 or Juwariya Limalia on 083 785 3402.

*Today (Friday) – Pickets organized at various locations in Westville – from 3pm onwards.

*In Durban, a mass zikr “to send duas to our Palestinian people” will be held at the North Beach Amphitheatre (Durban beachfront) this Sunday after Zohr Salaat at 12.30pm.

*On Sunday, a “Walk in solidarity with the people of Palestine ”, has been organized at the Durban beachfront. The walk will last an hour from 7am-8am.

*On Saturday, a Palestinian Rally will be held at the Eastbury Grounds, Phoenix from 2pm to 4pm.

*On Saturday, there will be a “Walk for Palestine” at the Children’s Park starting at 11am. The meeting point is 19 Millennium Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge. Whatsapp: 083 490 6551

*Today (Friday) – In Gauteng, a massive ‘Palestine Solidarity March’, protesters are marching to the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria. Protesters must assemble at Belgrade Square Park, Jan Shoba Street, Hatfield at 10 am. A mass Jumu’ah Salah will be performed at the site.

*The Economic Freedom Front (EFF) organized a picket outside the Israeli Embassy in Lynnwood, Pretoria on Monday. The meeting point is Lynnwood Garden Estate at 10.am.